Layman's Guide: How to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair Loss Prevention Steps You Can Take

If you, like many people, want to prevent hair loss, there are certain measures that you can take. These can sometimes supplement ongoing treatment, but are best instituted before the problem gets severe, since successful treatment of even partial baldness depends in part on how much hair is still healthy when you begin treatment. It's easier to prevent hair loss than it is to treat it Also, keep in mind that if your alopecia is being caused by strong genetic factors, or a serious underlying medical condition, the hair loss prevention tips here might be of more limited value. Sometimes, when heredity is against you, it just is not possible to prevent baldness.

Don't Ignore Illness

Sometimes, even seemingly minor illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria can also cause hair loss. Colds and flu can stress your body and sap you of needed energy and nutrients, or disrupt your normal healthy eating and behavior habits, resulting in your hair becoming brittle and prone to breaking off or not growing normally. See your doctor if you're sick, and be sure to take it easy. A daily multivitamin and lots of healthy fruits and vegetables wouldn't hurt, either. Keep in mind also that in some cases, sudden onset of hair loss can be a sign of more serious illness - don't ignore it!

Check With Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Certain prescription medications can occasionally have side effects that make it impossible to prevent hair loss. Some antidepressants, anticoagulants, and birth control pills can lead to unwanted loss of hair. Check with your pharmacist about possible medication side effects, and speak to your doctor if you notice your hair falling out while you are taking any medication.

Check Your Hormones

Thyroid problems, as well as pregnancy, can lead to hormonal imbalances that encourage hair loss. A simple blood test can check your hormonal levels and tell your doctor if treatment is necessary. When you treat the imbalance, the hair loss should improve. Also be aware that hair loss can be associated with heart disease. Men in particular should be aware that sudden onset of hair loss can be an indicator of potentially serious prostate problems, including prostate cancer.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Vitamin deficiencies, and also certain vitamin excesses can cause or aggravate hair loss, while a healthy diet is thought to help prevent hair loss. Be sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and dairy, since there is some reason to believe that antioxidants, and also maintenance of a low fat, low calorie diet, can slow or prevent hair loss. It's also a good idea to take a quality multi-vitamin daily. At the other extreme, taking too much Vitamin A, for instance, can actually cause hair loss, so don't overdo it with any vitamin! On the other hand, by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, you maximize your chances that you can prevent hair loss. If you are concerned about hair loss, then you owe it to yourself to learn about vitamins for hair loss prevention.

Exercise and Reduce Stress

Another way to prevent baldness is to reduce stress. High levels of stress causes hair loss, and conversely, stress reduction can help prevent hair loss. You definitely can find ways to eliminate or manage the stress in your life. Exercise is one way you can reduce stress and adopt a healthier lifestyle. There is also medical evidence to suggest that regular aerobic exercise not only promotes general bodily health, but also assists in hair loss prevention. On the other hand, weight training, or anything that increases testosterone levels, can accelerate alopecia, and is definitely not recommended if you are trying to prevent baldness.

Don't Over Style

Some people find that excessive hair styling, especially using heat implements, leads to hair breakage and loss. Also, pulling your hair back in a ponytail, especially if it pulls on your hair, can cause breakage and other problems. Using a quality shampoo and a deep conditioner once to several times a week, and treating your hair more gently, can minimize the damage and help prevent hair loss in women.

If you're concerned about how to prevent hair loss, and think you have a problem, see your doctor right away. He or she can teach you more tips for hair loss prevention and examine you to determine factors that may cause or encourage the problem. Your doctor may also recommend hair loss prevention either with a prescription treatment, or one or more of the hair loss products that are thought to help fight or prevent baldness.

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